October 2025 Bahamas: Hurricane Melissa

In late October 2025, Hurricane Melissa intensified into a large storm and made landfall in the eastern Caribbean, moving toward the Bahamas and causing catastrophic damage: thousands of homes destroyed or severely damaged, power infrastructure down, and entire island communities inundated.

Judah 1 completed a one-day evacuation mission using two aircraft and multiple flights to remove more than 1,300 residents from the Southeast Bahamas. In partnership with the Bahamian government, SpaceX, Love & Light Foundation, and The River at Tampa Bay Church, they shared operational costs and delivered relief supplies and equipment into the region.

About Love and Light Foundation

The Love & Light Foundation is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to rapidly responding in the wake of natural disasters by providing essential services such as search and rescue, evacuation support, first-aid relief, and transportation via aircraft and boats. The foundation bridges the gap between major relief agencies and underserved communities by arriving early and remaining late—delivering food, shelter, communication equipment, and hope to those impacted by storms, floods and other crises.

About The River at Tampa Bay

The River at Tampa Bay was born from a vision by Pastors Rodney and Adonica Howard-Browne to create a “Church with a Difference.” Since its earliest days, the church has been defined by energetic worship, anointed preaching, and the unmistakable presence of the Holy Spirit. With a heart for every walk of life—from the wealthy to the underserved—The River fosters a multicultural environment where people are not only welcomed but transformed and then equipped to serve in the wider community. Anchored by its founding goal “to become a model revival church,” the congregation continues to focus on feeding, touching, and loving people while leading them into a deeper experience of God and equipping them to impact the world.

About SpaceX

SpaceX is an American aerospace company that designs, builds, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. While best known for pioneering reusable launch technology, SpaceX also plays a growing role in humanitarian support by providing Starlink satellite internet in disaster zones and remote regions. This rapid-deployable connectivity helps first responders coordinate rescue operations, restores communication for affected communities, and ensures that relief organizations can operate effectively when traditional infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.